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Daniel Cormier Ilia Topuria buzz surged on June 29, 2025, as UFC commentator Daniel Cormier hailed featherweight champion Ilia Topuria as the sport’s next global superstar following his meteoric rise in 2025.
Topuria’s dominance, highlighted by his knockout win over Alexander Volkanovski, positions him as a leading figure in UFC’s future.
Topuria’s Rise: Cormier’s Bold Prediction
The Daniel Cormier Ilia Topuria narrative took center stage after Cormier, a former two-division champion, predicted on his ESPN MMA podcast that Ilia Topuria would become UFC’s biggest star in 2025.
Topuria, the undefeated Georgian-Spanish fighter, claimed the featherweight title with a second-round knockout of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February 2025, improving his record to 15-0.
Topuria’s charisma and technical prowess have drawn comparisons to Conor McGregor. His 83% knockout rate and ability to sell out arenas in Spain have fueled Cormier’s optimism.
“Ilia’s got it all—power, personality, and precision,” Cormier said (ESPN). Topuria’s next fight, rumored for UFC 306 in Madrid, could further cement his global appeal.
Key Achievements in 2025
- UFC 298 Victory: Topuria’s 2:32 KO of Volkanovski won the featherweight belt.
- Fanbase Growth: Topuria’s Instagram followers surged to 2.5 million post-fight.
- Title Defense Plans: A potential clash with Max Holloway looms in September 2025.
- Marketability: Topuria’s bilingual promos resonate in Europe and Latin America.
Expert Insight: Topuria’s Star Power
As a longtime MMA observer, I see the Daniel Cormier Ilia Topuria hype as well-founded. Topuria’s blend of explosive striking and grappling, with six knockouts and five submissions, makes him a nightmare matchup.
His ability to draw crowds in non-traditional UFC markets like Spain mirrors McGregor’s impact in Ireland. Cormier’s prediction hinges on Topuria’s marketability, which could rival UFC’s biggest names.
Topuria reflected on his journey: “I’m here to inspire and dominate” (MMA Fighting). UFC President Dana White added, “Ilia’s a game-changer; he’s selling out arenas” (Reuters).
Challenges and Opportunities
The Daniel Cormier Ilia Topuria spotlight comes with challenges. Topuria faces pressure to defend his title against veterans like Holloway or rising stars like Movsar Evloev.
His 100% finish rate is impressive, but tougher opponents could test his endurance. A successful title defense in Madrid could push his PPV buys past 1 million, rivaling UFC’s biggest events.
Spain’s growing MMA scene, boosted by Topuria’s rise, positions him as a cultural icon. However, maintaining consistency in a stacked featherweight division, with contenders like Brian Ortega, will be critical.
Cormier’s endorsement underscores Topuria’s potential to transcend the sport, much like Ronda Rousey did a decade ago.
Global Impact and UFC’s Future
The Daniel Cormier Ilia Topuria narrative highlights UFC’s push into new markets. Topuria’s appeal in Europe and Latin America could drive UFC’s global expansion, with Spain hosting its first PPV event in 2025.
X posts show fans split, with 60% backing Topuria as the next superstar. His ability to speak English and Spanish broadens his reach, making him a marketing dream for UFC sponsors.
Final Thoughts: Topuria’s Path to Stardom
The Daniel Cormier Ilia Topuria prediction sets the stage for a transformative year in UFC. Ilia Topuria’s knockout power, charisma, and undefeated record make him a prime candidate for global superstardom in 2025.
As he prepares for his next title defense, the MMA world watches closely. Comment your thoughts below on whether Topuria can live up to Cormier’s hype.
Ilia Topuria is now a Double-Champion in the UFC History. Is the 5th fighter to do that achievement along with Daniel Cormier, Conor McGregor, Henry Cejudo and Amanda Nunes. #UFC317
— Rafael "El Capitán" Chacín 🇻🇪🇺🇸 (@capitanrafucho) June 29, 2025
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